The South African government has issued an urgent warning to young women aged 18 to 22 about South Africa’s government has issued a strong warning to young women about dangerous fake job offers circulating on social media claiming to provide lucrative work opportunities in Russia through a ‘Start Programme’. These scams exploit the country’s high youth unemployment and often disguise trafficking and forced labour as legitimate international employment.
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Table of contents
- Rising Concern Over Fake Job Offers in 2025
- How Scams Operate on Social Media
- Social Media Influencers and the Alabuga (Russia) Start Programme
- Role of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
- Government’s Clear Warning
- Investigations and Warnings from DIRCO
- Links to Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Conditions
- Red Flags for Job Seekers
- How to Verify Legitimate International Job Opportunities
- Youth Unemployment and Vulnerability
- Community Awareness and Reporting
- Government Collaboration and Victim Repatriation
- Role of Social Media Platforms and Regulation
- A United Front Against Exploitation
- Staying Vigilant Amid High Youth Unemployment
Rising Concern Over Fake Job Offers in 2025
Social media platforms have become hotspots for misleading job advertisements promising overseas work, particularly targeting young women aged 18 to 22. The South African Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities reports an increase in fake job ads promoting hospitality, construction, and other roles in Russia. Crucially, none of these offers are endorsed by the South African or Russian governments.
How Scams Operate on Social Media
Scammers use social media influencers to add credibility to their false promises. Videos and posts boast large salaries, paid accommodation, and flights, making the offers appear attractive. However, many influencers unwittingly spread unverified information linked to trafficking syndicates. The government warns influencers against promoting such schemes without proper verification.
Social Media Influencers and the Alabuga (Russia) Start Programme
Among the most notable was South African influencer Cyan Boujee, who shared a now-deleted video promoting the Alabuga Start programme in Russia’s Tatarstan region. Presented as a career development initiative, it offered training and employment to young women. Subsequent investigations revealed severe exploitation, including forced labour in factories assembling military drones.
Role of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
DIRCO and other government bodies emphasise that legitimate international employment opportunities arise strictly through diplomatic channels and formal agreements. Job advertisements outside these channels should be treated with suspicion. DIRCO, Employment and Labour departments, and the South African Police Service are actively investigating these scams to arrest trafficking syndicates.
Government’s Clear Warning
The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities categorically states these offers are not facilitated or supported by the government. Cassius Selala, department spokesperson, urges extreme caution:
“Young people should be very careful with unsolicited international job offers, particularly on social media. The safety and dignity of young South African women are paramount.”
Investigations and Warnings from DIRCO
DIRCO’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, describes conditions endured by trafficked victims as “slave-like,” involving passport confiscation and monitored communication. He advises:
“If something looks too good to be true, seek a second opinion from DIRCO or South African embassies.”
Investigations are ongoing, and one South African woman has already been repatriated after realising her job conditions were false.
Links to Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Conditions
Victims commonly face:
- Long, exhausting working hours with restricted freedom
- Confiscated passports and monitored communication
- Exposure to harmful chemicals causing health problems
- Lower wages than promised
- Over-surveillance and compromised autonomy
Some women recruited for factories in Russia were as young as 15 and subjected to unsafe and coercive work environments.
Red Flags for Job Seekers
Job seekers should be alert for:
- Offers that seem too good to be true
- No formal contracts or government endorsements
- Requests for personal documents upfront (passports, IDs)
- Promotion by unknown influencers or unverified companies
- Lack of clear, consistent communication
Verifying offers with official government departments or embassies is crucial to avoid falling victim to these scams.
How to Verify Legitimate International Job Opportunities
Before accepting international work or study offers, young people should verify with:
- Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
- Foreign embassies or consulates in South Africa
- Department of Employment and Labour
- South African Police Service for fraud reports
- Department of Higher Education and Training (for study opportunities)
Only these channels guarantee legitimacy and safety.
Youth Unemployment and Vulnerability
With youth unemployment surpassing 35%, particularly among young women, many face economic hardship. This desperation makes vulnerable targets for exploiters. The government runs initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus and National Youth Service to create real job opportunities.
Community Awareness and Reporting
Families, schools, and communities must educate young women about these scams and encourage reporting suspicious offers. Awareness and vigilance are vital in preventing exploitation.
Government Collaboration and Victim Repatriation
South African authorities work closely with international partners, including the Russian Embassy and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, to combat these fraudulent networks. In 2025, 23 South Africans were repatriated from human trafficking operations abroad, underscoring active government intervention.
Role of Social Media Platforms and Regulation
Social media platforms are under pressure to regulate and remove deceptive job ads. Users should report suspicious content immediately. The Advertising Regulatory Board requires influencers to disclose paid promotions, with ongoing investigations into non-compliance.
A United Front Against Exploitation
Ending youth unemployment and protecting vulnerable youth requires collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, academia, and communities. Joint efforts focus on sustainable work pathways and shielding young women from exploitative scams.
Staying Vigilant Amid High Youth Unemployment
South Africa’s persistently high youth unemployment makes education about job scams critical for safeguarding young people’s futures. Understanding risks, verifying offers rigorously, and reporting concerns empower young South Africans to navigate job opportunities safely.
